Many dog breeds were bred by humans, who selectively bred them for certain traits. One such trait was a dog's ability to guard its territory. Many breeds are known for their ability to guard; however, here are our top 10 picks for guard dog breeds for families.
When getting a dog for protection and guarding, remember it is important to treat them like a pet and not a security system.
You want them to be part of the family first and their health and safety should always be considered a high priority. After all, most dogs will protect you with their life if you treat them well!
Before we get to our top 10, it must be mentioned that you may see some of these same dogs on various "dangerous dogs" list. However, we have chosen these particular dogs, as with the right care and socialization, these make excellent devoted family dogs.
Afterall, you would not want a Chihuahua for a guard dog even though they are quite fearless and willing to take anything on 🙂
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German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a popular guard breed for several reasons.
It is intelligent and protective, but it is also good with children.
The breed is also loyal and athletic. It does require regular exercise and twice-weekly brushing.
The German Shepherd ranks fourth in American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It is just above 2 feet tall and weighs between 75 to 95 lbs.
Rottweiler
Ranked 15th in AKC breed popularity, the Rottweiler is not only fiercely protective, but it is also a loyal family dog.
This breed is confident, alert, and bold in personality. It can be difficult to train, because it can be stubborn and domineering.
This breed requires regular physical activity.
It does well in cool weather, but it can struggle with hotter temperatures.
Minimal brushing is needed to maintain a Rottweiler's coat.
Bullmastiff
The bullmastiff is not a guard dog that will overreact, but it will protect its family when necessary.
Imposing in appearance, this large dog is ranked 48th in AKC breed popularity.
Although its size alone can be frightening, the bullmastiff actually makes a wonderful family dog.
Bullmastiffs tend to do best indoors because they don't do well in extreme temperatures.
Moderate exercise in the form of a walk or quick game satisfies this breed's physical needs.
Its coat requires occasional brushing to remove debris.
Just more than 2 feet in height, the bullmastiff weighs between 100 and 130 lbs.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a popular guard breed for several reasons.
It is confident and assertive, but it is also deeply loyal to its owners.
The breed is muscular and protective and requires vigorous daily activity. However, it requires minimal grooming.
The Cane Corso ranks twenty-first in American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It stands about 2.2 feet tall and weighs between 90 to 120 lbs.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is another popular guard breed.
It is strong and fearless, but it is also calm and family-oriented.
The breed is also dominant and self-assured. It does require structured exercise and weekly brushing.
The Boerboel is not currently ranked in the top 50 of American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It stands roughly 2.2 feet tall and weighs between 150 to 200 lbs.
Giant Schnauzer
The giant schnauzer may not look like the typical guard dog, but in every other way, it is a guard breed.
Ranked 82nd in AKC breed popularity, this rambunctious dog is highly intelligent and protective. It is also extremely bold and suspicious of strangers.
The giant schnauzer can be a bit boisterous for small children, but it fits in well in families with older kids.
It is also an active dog that needs a daily walk and regular play.
The Schnauzer also requires twice-weekly brushing and twice-yearly haircuts to maintain its coat.
It is just more than 2 feet in height and weighs between 65 to 90 lbs.
Doberman
The Doberman is a family favorite and also a popular guard breed for many reasons.
Dobermans are alert and fearless, but they are also affectionate with its family.
The breed is also intelligent and obedient. It does require daily exercise and occasional grooming.
The Doberman ranks seventeenth in American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It stands around 2.3 feet tall and weighs between 75 to 100 lbs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a popular guard breed for many reasons.
It is independent and protective, but it is also gentle with family.
The breed is also athletic and dignified. This breed requires regular exercise and occasional grooming.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback ranks forty-second in American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It stands about 2.1 feet tall and weighs between 70 to 85 lbs.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier has also made our list as a popular guard breed.
It is courageous and confident, but it is also friendly and affectionate.
The breed is muscular and agile. It requires daily play and exercise. However, it only requires minimal grooming.
The American Staffordshire Terrier ranks eighty-fifth in American Kennel Club (AKC) breed popularity.
It stands around 1.7 feet tall and weighs between 55 to 70 lbs.
Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a fluffy dog that is a loyal and protective companion.
Fearless, calm, and well-mannered in nature, this dog ranks 86th in AKC breed popularity.
This confident and eager-to-please dog is also adventurous and generally good with children.
This dog requires a good amount of exercise daily. A jog and regular play ensure it stays on its best behavior.
Twice-weekly brushings and a trim every few months help maintain this dog's coat.
Just more than 2 feet in height, this dog weighs between 70 to 90 lbs.
In Conclusion
When choosing the right dog for guarding and protecting your family, it means finding a loyal companion that balances protective instincts with a gentle, affectionate nature.
Different breeds bring their own unique strengths to the table.
Each breed, and each dog's temperament, can vary. However, with proper training and socialization, these breeds can become devoted protectors and beloved family members.
Ultimately, the best guard dog is one that fits your family's lifestyle and needs.
Esperanza Gailliard says
The only dog on this list that I actually trust is the German Shepherd.
Jeanna Massman says
This is an interesting article. I would love to have one of these amazing dog breeds!
Ed says
Thanks for sharing. We recently adopted a puppy.
Rita Wray says
Great list.
Regina says
This is a good list.
rita leonard says
I do love German Shephards. The are a wonderfully smart dog
Barrie says
I want a doberman so bad! I used to be a puppy raiser for a family owned company that raised protection family dogs, mainly German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Giant Schnauzers!
Terri Quick says
Thank you for sharing. I have an Australian Shepherd
Heather says
Great list of guard dogs and some I have not heard of before. I love a good guard dog.
Elizabeth says
Some of these are new to me!